Tuesday 13 November 2018Facilities News3 minutes to read
At its Board meeting last week, West Coast DHB members agreed on a name for its new facilities, due for completion next year.
Board chair, Jenny Black said the new facility will be known as Te Nīkau, Grey Hospital & Health Centre.
Jenny said when deciding on the name the DHB sought advice from Tatau Pounamu, the West Coast’s manawhenua health group, in consultation with local iwi.
“Inspiration for the name came from Nikau the original name of the hill immediately behind the hospital, as well as the Nikau Palm,” she said.
Tatau Pounamu believe the name Te Nīkau will help bridge the geographical divide between Te Tai Poutini and Te Tai Tapu (Westcoast and Buller), as the Nikau palm is readily recognised in the Buller as the Coastwide symbol. The Nikau is New Zealand’s only native palm tree which is synonymous with the West Coast.
Jenny Black said she’s delighted that local iwi will also assist with supporting the cultural identity of the facility by donating a large touchstone pounamu to be located in the main entrance; a second pounamu stone on a plinth as a feature in the internal courtyard, a large carved entry Pou for the front of the new facility and carvings for other areas throughout the facility.
“In addition iwi have contributed to the design of etching on the glass throughout the facility, which will support the cultural narrative and unique West Coast location.
“West Coast DHB Board members agreed upon the name as it reflects the sense of place for Coasters who will be on the receiving end of health services in this wonderful new facility,” Jenny Black said.
ENDS
Background:
The 8,500 metre facility is due for completion in late March 2019 with staff expected to move in later in the year once the fit out is complete. The facility includes 56 in-patient beds, three operating theatres, radiology, laboratory services and integrated family health centre to provide primary care and outpatient services. Other clinical services include urgent care, 24/7 emergency department, critical care unit, paediatric and maternity services as well as planned and acute medical and surgical services and older persons’ health including assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services.
You can catch up with the latest progress on the site by watching this video.
Scaffold slowly coming down on the outside of the new Grey Health facility.
Control room set up with bedhead and ensuite
Ensuite bathroom
Celebrating AchievementFacilitiesGrey Base HospitalGreymouthPublic HealthService changesTe Nīkau Grey Hospital and Health CentreupdatevideoVimeo
Page last updated: 5 June 2024
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